Discover the magic of Tbilisi: a guide to the capital of Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, holds a long past, strong customs and views that catch the eye. Old lanes, stone castles plus living folk ways sit next to new cafés and bright lights - visitors feel both the past but also the present in one place.

A walk through Tbilisi shows layer upon layer of former times. Narikala Castle, built in the 14th century, stands on a hill and lets visitors look over the whole town. The Metekhi Temple, raised in the 13th century, still serves as a place of prayer as well as quiet. The Assembly Bridge crosses the Kura River - iron figures of local heroes line its sides. Quarters such as Abano Amburi and the roads around Kutaisi keep the same narrow lanes or carved wooden balconies they had hundreds of years ago - the city keeps its Georgian face.

Green space and high rock lie close to the houses. The Caucasus Mountains rise to the north. Lake Lisi lies still at the edge of town also the Mtlegari River winds through fields below the built up area. Paths lead up Mount Narikala - at the top, hikers see the whole valley and the roofs below, proof that the city sits amid wild land.

Food sits at the heart of any stay. Khinkali are large dumplings full of spiced meat next to hot broth. Khachapuri is bread shaped like a boat and packed with soft cheese. A green paste, is eaten with sulguni, a salty white cheese. Street stalls sell khini - grilled beef or pork tucked inside warm bread. For dessert, sheets of honey nut baklava arrive sticky plus sweet. Each dish carries a taste handed down through families.

The sulfur baths belong to the city as much as the walls and towers. Heated deep under the ground, fills stone pools. Attendants pour it over shoulders, scrub skin but also give firm massages. The mineral scent and warm steam ease tired muscles as well as calm the mind.

Shops range from open air rows of stalls to glass malls. At the Etiqa market, vendors sell hand knit socks, churchkhela sweets and bright enamel jewelry. Rustaveli Street holds brand stores or small studios side by side. Tbilisi Mall stacks international labels above a food court that still serves khachapuri. Whether you hunt for a wool hat, a silk dress or jars of tkemali sauce, the city gives equal space to old crafts and new goods.